To think we are all in a right pickle this autumn

[Whatafustercluck]

The penny has finally dropped that our youngest will probably on average have two episodes of high temperature/ cough every autumn that is seasonal virus. She has also had tonsillitis and ear infections that can cause high temp and cough. With GPs telling people with high temps or coughs not to attend surgery, aibu to think that many people, children in particular, may well have other illnesses that will not get diagnosed - including some serious illnesses - because they cannot attend a GP surgery for fear it is Covid? Already my dsis and niece have had to have a Covid test and self isolate for something that is highly likely to be a cold (test results remain outstanding 4 days later of course). Dd and nephew have had snot and sneezes that are causing paranoia and suspicion among people who know us - despite having no temp and no cough. Dh has just been told he must return to the office in November, despite being able to do his job perfectly well from home. He will be among around 100 other people in an enclosed office who will not be required to wear masks. If he catches a seasonal virus that causes the symptoms, ds is off school, dd is off nursery and their classmates and teachers/ key workers will be affected even if it's not Covid because processing tests is now taking so long.

We're all in a right pickle this autumn/ winter aren't we?

@Whatafustercluck You are right in saying that you have to isolate until either a negative test or 14 days if a household member has symptoms, but the school/nursery/workplace don't have to take any steps unless someone who attends has a positive test, and then only in certain circumstances will they opt to isolate a 'bubble'.

I have 3 dc, at three different sites (a primary, a secondary and an alternative provision placement). Two of those sites have confirmed cases already- although as they are in different 'bubbles' my dc aren't being asked to isolated- and I have a bet running with a group of mums whether the third will get to the end of the week without the same happening.

7th day for us and the 5yo has the start of a cold, her colds are always, always accompanied by a cough. I will be surprised if she lasts the week (and then of course we are all off including my self employed DP who will not get paid if he doesn't work!).... tests are scarce and we are a non driving household.

Utterly dreading autumn and winter.

@DumplingsAndStew but it depends entirely on the specific school's Covid risk assessment and resulting policy. For example, some schools are saying if you have any symptoms of illness you should stay away while others are saying they'll accept children with snot and sniffles providing no temp or cough.